Referees
Refereeing at NorWest!
As a fully aligned Ontario Soccer program, we use exclusively Ontario Soccer & Canada Soccer-certified referees. NorWest offers club orientation & continued education to help those interested!
To become a Referee in our program, you must be at least 14 years of age and have completed official certifications for Ontario Soccer or Canada Soccer teams.
We are proud to support Long Term Official Development through our club.
Becoming a Match Official (aka "Referee")
For those looking to become a match official, you must begin by registering for a match official certification course offered by Ontario Soccer. Once certified, you will be a registered match official with Ontario Soccer and have access to Ontario Soccer's Ref Centre to schedule and officiate Rep games.
To officiate NorWest Soccer Recreational games, you must apply to be a match official through Power Up.
Steps to Becoming a Referee with NorWest
Step #1: Complete at least one of the following listed courses:
Game Leader officiates U6-U9
Small-Sided Games Clinic officiates U10-U12
Entry Level Clinic officiates U13+
(NOTE: must be at least 16 years of age to apply for this position)
Step #2: Set up the appropriate online accounts.
RefCentre (Ontario Soccer's site) is used for EMDSL Game (Rep.) assignments. It is recommended for referees with at least two years of experience and a recommendation from the NorWest head referee!
Once you register and attend either the Small-Sided Games clinic or the Entry Level clinic, your Ontario Soccer Ref Center account is automatically created.
It would be best for you to deactivate notifications in RefCentre until you are ready for Rep. games.
Step #3: Submit a Volunteer Application within PowerUp using the "I Can Help" link
PowerUp is used for all NorWest House League game assignments.
Step #4: Set your availability within RefCentre and PowerUp
(once Approved)
be SURE to keep 9AM- 5PM of our August Fun Day ava!
Step #5: Keep checking your email for game assignments May-Aug!
Email is our main method of communication.
Returning Refs:
If you already have your referee certificate(s), email a PDF to referees@norwestsoccer.com; you just need to register with us to referee for the new season ---> If you forget, skip down a section for a reminder on how!
Why referee with us?
Well, you've already chosen us as your club for playing, so why not ref here too?!
Head Ref, Jack DaSilva & other NW Club staff are out at club fields to support referees with our zero-tolerance ref abuse policy!
We offer continued referee mentorship and education to support you.
NeW certified referees who fulfil their minimum game requirements with the NW will have their certification course fees reimbursed at the end of the summer season.
Minimum game requirements:
10 games, either Small-sided and/or Full.
3 or fewer Games Declined.
0 No Shows!
Registering as a NorWest Referee:
Minors: Have a parent/guardian create a profile and add you as a family member, including your own email address. Parents must submit the Game Official Application by logging into their PowerUp Member Zone, clicking I want to Help! and then Referee Application listed under your name. Fill out and submit (it will not work if the new referee does not have his/her own email address). Email the course certificate to referees@norwestsoccer.com & cc: info@norwestsoccer.com
18 & Older: Create a profile in the PowerUp Member Zone. Click I Want to Help! and then Referee Application. Fill out and submit. Email your certificate to referees@norwestsoccer.com & cc: info@norwestsoccer.com
You will be approved in PowerUp - this is where refs input availability, accept or decline games, payment history, etc., once we have received & logged your certificate(s).
You will be sent information on how to proceed.
Referees who have passed the certification course will be required to attend an orientation at the NW office the week of in mid May. More info will follow after you are registered to referee with the club!
If you have questions, please contact Jack, referees@norwestsoccer.com
Interested in becoming a NeW Referee?
The way Match Officials Accreditation Clinics are delivered has been redesigned by Ontario Soccer. Most of the Clinic process now takes place online via RefCentre, with only one component of the process taking place in-person and on-field. We recommend you review The Student User Guide at the link provided.
Click on this link www.ontariosoccer.net/referee-clinics. If you have any questions, please contact Ontario Soccer directly, as they now host the courses, so will have more answers.
Keep course dates open!
Note: Ontario Soccer includes the referee registration for the year in the course fee. Refs must renew their referee registration every year going forward. This is done in their RefCentre account.